This week on a special Thanksgiving day episode of “The Floor” hosted by Rob Lowe, nine contestants were sent home by the end. Last week’s biggest whale, Danny, had won 50 pieces of the floor. He was, so far, in the lead and had inherited “Failed Political Candidates” as his category.

At the start of this week’s episode, Danny now has 26 options to choose from if he decided to duel again. He had already won a Time Boost from last week along with $20,000. He chose to stay on the floor. Rob Lowe reminded him of the big target on his back

The Randomizer chose Michael who had “Sneakers” as his expertise. He chose the “Autumn” category held by Sydney who said Autumn is her favorite season. They had to identify a tradition or item of the Fall season in their duel.

The Falling of Autumn!

Michael was successful at beating out Sydney in her category of “Autumn.”  With his original category of “Sneakers” intact, Michael decided to go back to the floor and defend “Sneakers.” Alicia with the “Medieval Times” category was chosen next. She had the option of taking on Danny and getting the 50 pieces of the floor in one battle. But, Alicia chose “Car Parts” to challenge.

Paul, the defender of the “Car Parts” category, said he builds cars. They had to name a car part, accessory, or symbol in their duel. Unfortunately, Alicia didn’t know enough about car parts as she thought, and left Paul with her “Medevil Times” category. “Failed Political Candidates” was up for grabs again. However, Paul chose to go back to the floor.

Danny vs. Danny:

THE FLOOR episode 9, Danny vs. Tim in Halloween Movies. FOX

Danny with the “Halloween Movies” category was chosen next. He also had the opportunity to challenge the other Danny in the room with 50 pieces of the floor. He in fact did choose to take on the other Danny, a.k.a., the Whale on the floor! The contestants cheered with excitement. Danny called it quits with five seconds remaining in the duel as he realized he was being defeated in “Failed Political Candidates.”   A duel that showed a lot of photos celebrities.  Surely, this was unexpected by anyone who was up for challenging this category.

Danny went from “Failed Political Candidates” to inheriting the “Halloween Movies” category from Danny who was now eliminated. With six duels remaining, the next brand new player that the Randomizer chose was Amy with “Nursery Rhymes” category. She chose to go for her neighbor and buddy Tim with the “Extreme Sports” category. He was confident that not many people know his category as well as he does.

Two Newbies!

But Amy said no one would guess that she’s an extreme sports junkie. They had to identify the sports or accessories in their duel. First time duelers went at it in this category. When it came to the technical names of the extreme sports acts, Tim had Amy beat, and she lost out. Tim inherited “Nursery Rhymes” which later proved to be quite the nightmare category.

Next, Tim was up for challenging Danny in the “Halloween Movies” category who also now had 53 pieces of the floor. They dueled it out and Danny had a bunch of passes, but the Time Boost worked for him in winning this duel. He went back to the floor with his prior inherited “Nursery Rhymes” intact.

Around the World!

Lisa challenged the “Global Monuments” category held by Alex who gloated that he’s traveled “100 plus countries. They had to identify iconic monuments or buildings in their duel. Included in these were: The Colosseum; Leaning Tower of Pisa; The Lincoln Monument; StoneHenge; The Washington Monument. Alex won and inherited the “R&B” category.  He said he knows as much about R&B as he does about monuments.  The onlooking contestants on the floor gasped in shock.  Or, maybe in disbelief that he may be just putting on a front.  But, will he go on for another duel? No! Alex went back to the floor.

Girl Power!

THE FLOOR episode 9, Jessica vs. Sarah in Female Leaders. FOX

Jessica with the “Girl Groups” category was chosen next. Up for grabs was “Periodic Tables” that Lowe pointed out no one wanted to challenge. That was also true for Jessica who decided to challenge “Female Leaders” in a “girl power” themed duel! It was simple, they had to name the influential women displayed on the screen. Jessica won the duel and kept her category of “Girl Groups” which she noted was keeping her safe so far throughout the game and was betting it will continue to do so.  There were only two duels left and she stayed and played, choosing the “Nursery Rhymes” category inherited by Whale Danny.

Losing to Child’s Play!

THE FLOOR episode 9. Jessica vs. Danny in Nursery Rhymes. FOX

Danny was two duels away from winning another $20,000. He said he would go back to school if he won it. It just so happened that Nursery Rhymes was his weak spot and Danny lost all of his floor to Jessica. She kept her “Girl Groups” category, and when the Randomizer chose a player with little knowledge of “Girl Groups”, Joanna congratulated Jessica, because she was NOT prepared to challenge her!

Instead, Joanna challenged the “Beans” category held by Jennifer “the Beans Queen”. That meant, Jessica (who was not challenged to another duel) won the $20,000 for the night!

A New Strategy Created!

Jennifer inherited the category of “CEOs” from Joanna after barely beating her in an extremely close battle of a duel identifying different types of beans. Literally, every bean under the sun! She left the show and hopefully her mark because Joanna came up with an inventive way to duel. She rapidly-fired out as many names of beans as possible until one name stuck. I foresee many other players copying this method in the upcoming duels.

After Joanna’s exit, Jennifer’s decision on whether or not to go back to the floor will be decided in next week’s episode!

“The Floor” airs Wednesdays at 9 pm PT after “The Masked Singer” on FOX.